Wu Yi Shan Rou Gui Oolong

Wu Yi Shan Rou Gui Oolong is an aromatic and sweet Wuyi Rock Oolong, or yancha from Fujian Province. Large leaves produce an amber liquor with a roasted aroma. The sweet, juicy character has mineral and floral notes with a lingering aromatic and fruity finish.

Brewing guide: 2.5g in 250ml water at 90°C for 3-4 minutes

£4.20£14.50

(10-50g)

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Origin:Wuyi Shan, Fujian Province, China
Elevation:Wuyi Shan (武夷山), ~750m
Cultivar:Wuyi Rou Gui (肉桂)
Harvest time:April 2021
Sourcing:Specialist Chinese Wholesaler

Description

Wu Yi Shan Rou Gui Oolong (武夷山肉桂) is a classic oolong from Wuyi Shan (武夷山) in Fujian Province, China. Rou Gui is also known as Cassia Oolong in English, a name for Cinnamomum cassia, or Chinese Cinnamon. This name does not mean that this oolong has a distinctive cinnamon flavour or aroma but rather that the character is somewhat dry and with a particular scent, akin to cassia or cinnamon bark!

This Wu Yi Shan Rou Gui Oolong has pronounced mineral and rosted flavours yet it has a long lasting floral and sweet finish that this kind of Wuyi Rock oolong (or yancha) is famous for. This particular tea was harvested and processed in April 2021. It has undergone light to medium roasting during processing, emphasising the floral nature of this special tea.

This Rou Gui Oolong is a popular and well recognised Wuyi Rock tea, which can collectively be referred to by the English name ‘Bohea’. As historically the term Bohea used to apply to lower grades of tea, the preferred term for teas coming out of this terroir is Wuyi tea or Wuyi Rock tea. Wuyi Rock teas are grown on rocky mountainsides where the soil is high in mineral content and the growth of the tea trees is much slower. This terroir results in a distinctive ‘rock’ taste that is particularly evident in oolongs from this area and is prized amongst tea lovers. This characteristic profile is roasted and mineral in taste but with a long lasting sweet aftertaste.

Our Wu Yi Shan Rou Gui Oolong certainly does not disappoint in delivering those sought after characteristics. Large dark twisted leaves unfurl into dark black and green leaves in the cup, producing an attractive amber liquor with a roasted and sweet aroma. The character is mild, balanced, with mineral and roasted flavours that are nicely balanced by the more sweet, fruity and floral top notes. There is no astringency or dryness on the finish, just a long lasting juicy, sweet yet mineral aftertaste that affixes to your palate. A superb tea that can be savoured at any time of the day.

We suggest brewing parameters of 90°C for 3-4 minutes according to your taste, brewing 3 or more times.

This Wu Yi Shan Rou Gui Oolong tea was first featured in our May 2017 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.